African Tulip Tree

Shade Trees

Hawaii

121 cities

The African Tulip Tree (Spathodea campanulata) is a fast-growing tropical tree originally from West Africa, identifiable by its large clusters of waxy, cup-shaped orange-red flowers that bloom almost year-round in Hawaii. The leaves are large and compound, and the tree develops a broad, dense canopy that shades out everything beneath it. In Hawaii it is classified as an invasive pest species, meaning it is actively spreading into native forests and displacing native plants and birds.

Lifespan

Typically 30 to 50 years, though structural integrity often deteriorates well before that point due to the weak wood.

Mature Size

50 to 80 feet tall with a canopy spread of 30 to 50 feet in Hawaii's climate, often reaching those dimensions faster than homeowners expect — sometimes within 10 to 15 years.

Care & Maintenance

This tree genuinely does not need your help to thrive in Hawaii — it grows aggressively in full sun on almost any soil, including disturbed roadsides and lava fields. Watering and fertilizing will only encourage more growth and faster seed spread, which is the last thing you want with an invasive. If you have one on your property already, focus on containment rather than care.

Common Issues & Threats

Brittle wood and branch failure: The wood of this tree is notably soft and weak. Large branches drop without warning, even on calm days, which makes any specimen near a structure, driveway, or play area a genuine liability.
Mosquito breeding in flower buds: Here is what most people get wrong about this tree — those beautiful flower buds hold standing water before they open. That trapped water is a documented breeding site for mosquitoes, including the species that transmit dengue and other diseases in Hawaii.
Invasive spread into native habitat: A single mature tree produces thousands of papery, wind-dispersed seeds. If your tree is adjacent to any natural area, gulch, or forest, those seeds are landing in native habitat right now. Hawaii's Division of Forestry lists it as one of the most damaging invasive trees in the state.

Pruning Guide

Pruning this tree is a short-term fix that often makes things worse — cutting it back stimulates vigorous regrowth and does nothing about the seed problem. If you are keeping it for the flowers, remove seed pods before they open to reduce spread, and prune dead or overhanging branches in late winter before the main growth flush. Any branch over your roof line, fence, or near power lines should be addressed by a certified arborist given how unpredictably the wood fails.

Did You Know?

The flower buds are under hydraulic pressure from the water stored inside — if you pierce one, it squirts liquid several feet. Native Hawaiian forest birds like the 'apapane have been documented visiting the flowers, but research shows the nectar chemistry does not support them the way native plants do, so the tree draws birds away from the native plants that actually need pollination.

Where African Tulip Tree Is Found

African Tulip Tree is common in 121 of the US communities we cover, across 1 climate regions.

Hardiness Zones 1

East Honolulu, HI Zone 12b Hilo, HI Zone 11a Pearl City, HI Zone 12a Kailua CDP (Honolulu County), HI Zone 12b Waipahu, HI Zone 12b Kaneohe, HI Zone 12b Mililani Town, HI Zone 12a Kahului, HI Zone 12b Ewa Gentry, HI Zone 12b Kapolei, HI Zone 12b Kihei, HI Zone 12b Mililani Mauka, HI Zone 12a

... and 109 more cities

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